Stanbic Aces edge out UoN Dynamites in KBF league

UoN Dynamites' Liz Okumu (left) and Sharon Elman of Eagle Wings in a past match. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Stanbic Bank Aces Saturday held their nerve to beat University of Nairobi (UoN) Dynamites 64-61 in a Kenya Basketball Federation (KBF) Women’s Premier League match played at Nyayo Gymnasium.

The bankers recovered from a dull start that saw them trail the students by seven points at the first quarter break to win the second quarter 23-9 and take a 33-25 advantage at half-time.

Dynamites would take the charge of the game again in the third period as they made calculated moves in the offence to score while they also defended well to take the quarter 23-14. Nonetheless, they slowed down in the fourth period, allowing Stanbic to score 17 points against their 12 and snatch maximum points.

Holders Equity Bank Hawks bounced back from their disappointing trip to Mombasa, where they lost to KPA, to beat Th3 Swish 72-43 and cement their place in the top three.

Evergreen Betty Kananu scored a match-high 16 points, with Lavin Awiti and Rita Onyango complementing her effort with 12 points apiece. Lavender Opondo led Th3 Swish with eight points.

In Women’s Division One, Dream Girls edged out Strathmore University 49-45 to consolidate their spot in the top five. Dream Girls are among the top contenders for the two promotion slots to the Premier League.

The Everlyne Kedogo-coached side has been very impressive this season and will be looking to crown it all with a spot in the top tier.

After losing the first quarter 11-14, Dream Girls took control of the second quarter, scoring 14 points against Strathmore’s seven to take a 25-21 half-time lead. The four points made the difference between the two sides, as they were even in the second half, scoring 24 points each. 

In Men’s Division One, Clique Mamba beat Moi Airbase (MAB) 89-77 in a tightly contested match.

A strong start and a great display in the third and fourth quarters won the game for Mamba against the soldiers, who dominated the second quarter. Mamba’s good show would see them win the first quarter 24-12 to take a 12-point lead.

However, MAB would dominate the second, winning it 29-18 and reducing the deficit to half a basket. Mamba won the third and fourth quarters 25-17 and 22-19 to slow down MAB’s race for a Premier League promotion.